• Thriving with Multi-Lingual Insurance Policy Holders - We live in a global community with people of diverse language backgrounds; and since everyone needs insurance this means policy holders will run the spectrum. Therefore, it is not a stretch to assume as a small business providing customer-interactive services to a regional, national or global insurance company there will be a high probability of... Continue Reading →
  • Security of Cloud Storage for Auto Appraisers - With the exponential rise of cell phone photos in the claim industry arises the need to ensure those images are secure. Just like everything that is smartphone connected the vehicle damage images that you – our appraisers – take may be getting stored online in the cloud. Granted, the photos taken as part of a... Continue Reading →
  • Having a Small Business Environmental Policy is About Planning and People - It seems like almost every stream of conversation at some point in the last few years has touched on an environmental issue. The automotive industry is especially known for its impact on the planet. Topics range from the use of recycled materials by parts manufacturers to why buying an electric vehicle is less ‘green’ than... Continue Reading →
  • Increased Scrutiny on Data Security for a Small Company - We’ve all heard of the big ‘hacks’ where millions of our fellow citizens’ data is spirited away by some unknown cybercriminal to be sold on the notorious Dark Web. These attacks against multi-billion dollar companies are often are caused by some random employee with a simple password or a person trying to get their work... Continue Reading →
  • We are Only as Good as Our Last Claim - For over 4 decades at SCA, a quip our founder still often says is: “We are only as good as our last claim.” The statement usually comes after a major (or minor) client complaint where the claims manager threatens to pull their account from SCA to give to another IA provider.   This witty, tongue in... Continue Reading →
  • Why Auto Appraisers Should Not Fear Virtual Estimating - One of the greatest fears for auto damage appraisers is a growing loss of relevance, or loss of value in the auto claim supply chain.  Especially in the last 5-7 years, up and coming company’s like Snapsheet, WeGoLook, Onsource and the plethora of Insurtech start-ups with millions in funding, no wonder there is such uncertainty... Continue Reading →
  • Pro Auto Inspection Tips for Auto Damage Appraisers - Do you ever make mistakes? I tend to make them daily. Mistakes are how we learn but learning how to eliminate repetitive mistakes is the key to maturing as an auto damage appraiser and a person. For auto damage appraisers, mistakes mean money lost. Certain mistakes hurt worse than others, missing a vin photo used... Continue Reading →
  • How to Look and Act Like an Auto Damage Appraiser - We’ve done it since we were kids, played dress up. There is something fascinating in the human mind that is ignited when we dress up as some character we’ve seen in the movies or as the firemen we’ve seen battling flames. Looking the part can be as important as how competent you are to the... Continue Reading →
  • SCA Appraisal Company’s New Strategy for Hail Catastrophes - Hail catastrophes have a HUGE impact on the insurance industry and the individuals that are affected. The ability for appraisal companies and appraisers to properly execute their job on a large-scale catastrophe is a challenge. As an example, in May 2017, Colorado had its most costly storm on record tallying up to $3.4 billion in... Continue Reading →
  • 10 Benefits of Working with SCA Appraisal Company - Being an independent auto damage appraiser is a demanding job. You are not only an appraiser but a business owner. Determining how to get more work and market your company is an important decision. One way that many independent appraisers decide to broaden their local or regional market reach is to work with agencies or... Continue Reading →
  • Managed Middle: The IA Industry’s Opportunity for Relevance - “The issue I have is not just with SCA, but with all IA’s, my issue is supplement handling. The size of the size and number of supplements.” This is the feedback coming from insurance carriers and vendor managers in my daily conversations with them. What is the client really saying when they say, ‘their issue... Continue Reading →
  • 9 Tips to Lower Your Cycle Time - Cycle time is the number one metric the auto appraisal industry is judged on. Therefore, lowering your cycle time is a great way to improve your perceived value. It doesn’t matter whether you are a single appraiser or a nationwide firm, your cycle time is scrutinized and examined on a consistent basis. Industry Standard Cycle... Continue Reading →

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